Two divisional rivals meet in this week’s Monday Night Football clash, as the San Diego Chargers play host to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The two AFC West teams go head-to-head at the SoFi Stadium in California in what could be a crucial match, even at this early stage of the season.
The Raiders go into the clash with a 3-0 record – after wins over the Ravens, Steelers and Dolphins – and are in to 22/1 to win the AFC Conference.
But they face a stiff test of their credentials on Monday, when they face a Chargers team who should head into this contest full of confidence.
San Diego out to make a statement
An impressive win over Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead last week was a sign of what Brandon Staley’s men are capable of and they will need to back that up on Monday in front of their own fans.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, in just his second NFL season, was at the heart of their win over the Chiefs, throwing for 281 yards and four touchdowns.
Wide Receiver Mike Williams caught two passes for touchdowns and is already just one behind his total for the whole of last season, after grabbing TDs in each of the first three matches. Williams is 15/2 to score the first touchdown on Monday night.
Even though he only rushed for 55 yards, Austin Ekeler had six receptions to his name and the running back is another who could play a key role for the hosts.
If the Chargers can claim the victory, it would move mean that three teams have a 3-1 record in the AFC West – San Diego are currently 3/1 to win the division, while the 2-2 Chiefs are still the 10/11 favourites.
Raiders hopes could rest on Jacobs
Although they have won their opening three matches, the Raiders need overtime to see off Miami last week and they haven’t won by more than nine points in any of those victories.
Derek Carr threw for over 380 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins, but it was the Raiders defence that caught the eye. The Black and Silver pass rush forced two sacks and seven quarterback hits in the 31-28 win.
Las Vegas have missed running-back Josh Jacobs in their last two matches due to an ankle injury, having scored two touchdowns in the season opener against the Ravens.
Despite only limited practice last week, the former University of Alabama star is expected to feature in San Diego and can be backed at 21/20 to score a touchdown at anytime on Monday evening.
Chargers to edge tight affair
Both teams have been involved in tight matches in their first three games of the season and there’s no reason to believe this will be any different.
At the time of writing, the Chargers are 5/9 in the Match Result market, with the Raiders 6/4 to make it four wins from four. Meanwhile, the hosts can be backed at 25/26 with a -3.5 handicap.
With both defences starting the season well, conceding just 60 and 72 points respectively, it doesn’t suggest it will be a high-scoring contest, but the Chargers should edge it and a 7-12 point win for the hosts is available at 17/4.
*All odds correct at time of writing
